U.S. patent application number 10/304712 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-27 for subscriber device with adaptable user interface and method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to MOTOROLA, INC.. Invention is credited to Charlier, Michael, Wong, Daniel.
Application Number | 20040100511 10/304712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32325289 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040100511 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wong, Daniel ; et
al. |
May 27, 2004 |
Subscriber device with adaptable user interface and method
thereof
Abstract
An adaptable user interface and method thereof for a subscriber
device (FIG. 1, FIG. 2 et sequence) includes a plurality of keys
(205, 207) arranged and constructed to be configured in one of a
first configuration (FIG. 2) and a second configuration (FIG. 3);
and a controller 105, coupled to the plurality of keys, operable
to: detect when the plurality of keys are in the first
configuration or second configuration and if so, control the
subscriber device to perform a first function or second function
corresponding to the detected configuration.
Inventors: |
Wong, Daniel; (Wildwood,
IL) ; Charlier, Michael; (Palatine, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POSZ & BETHARDS, PLC
11250 ROGER BACON DRIVE
SUITE 10
RESTON
VA
20190
US
|
Assignee: |
MOTOROLA, INC.
|
Family ID: |
32325289 |
Appl. No.: |
10/304712 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/866 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1622 20130101;
G06F 1/1671 20130101; H04M 1/72427 20210101; H04M 1/0214 20130101;
H04M 1/0231 20130101; H04M 1/0247 20130101; H04M 1/72466 20210101;
G06F 1/1677 20130101; H04M 1/72445 20210101; H04M 1/23 20130101;
G06F 1/1647 20130101; H04M 1/0243 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/866 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A subscriber device having an adaptable user interface, the
subscriber device comprising: a plurality of keys arranged and
constructed to be configured in one of a first configuration and a
second configuration; and a controller, coupled to the plurality of
keys, operable to: detect whether the plurality of keys are in the
first configuration and if so, control the subscriber device to
perform a first function corresponding to the first configuration;
and detect whether the plurality of keys are in the second
configuration and if so, control the subscriber device to perform a
second function corresponding to the second configuration.
2. The subscriber device of claim I wherein the first configuration
of the plurality of keys facilitate a gaming function and the
second configuration of the plurality of keys facilitate a cellular
phone function.
3. The subscriber device of claim 2 wherein a third configuration
of the plurality of keys intermediate between the first and the
second configuration pauses the gaming function and enables a
monitoring operation associated with the cellular phone
function
4. The subscriber device of claim 1 wherein the first configuration
of the plurality of keys is a first physical arrangement of the
plurality of keys and the second configuration of the plurality of
keys is a second physical arrangement of the plurality of keys.
5. The subscriber device of claim 1, wherein: one or more of the
plurality of keys is rotated and positioned at a first angle
relative to others of the plurality of keys when in the first
configuration, and the one or more of the plurality of keys is
rotated and positioned at a second angle relative to the others of
the plurality of keys when in the second configuration.
6. The subscriber device of claim 1 further including a display
coupled to and driven by the controller that provides a first
display presentation when the plurality of keys are in the first
configuration and a second display presentation when the plurality
of keys are in the second configuration.
7. The subscriber device of claim 6 wherein the first configuration
of the plurality of keys includes one or more of the plurality of
keys arranged in a vertical orientation relative to others of the
plurality of keys and the second configuration of the plurality of
keys includes the one or more of the plurality of keys arranged in
a horizontal orientation relative to the others of the plurality of
keys.
8. The subscriber device of claim 7 wherein the one or more of the
plurality of keys include navigation keys and the others of the
plurality of keys include numeric keys.
9. The subscriber device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of keys
is further arranged and constructed to be configured in a third
configuration, the second and third configurations facilitating,
respectively, use by right and left handed users.
10. The subscriber device of claim 1 wherein when the plurality of
keys are in the second configuration additional keys are revealed
that may be used for one of the first function and the second
function.
11. The subscriber device of claim 1 wherein the first function and
the second function are different and are selected from one of: a
gaming function, a telephone function, a personal digital assistant
function and an Internet browsing function.
12. A user interface for a cellular handset, the user interface
facilitating telephone functionality and gaming functionality of
the cellular handset, the user interface comprising: a display
operable to present a graphical interface corresponding to one of
the telephone functionality and the gaming functionality; a
plurality of keys arranged and constructed to be reconfigured
between one of a telephone configuration and a gaming
configuration; a controller, coupled to the plurality of keys and
the display, operable to: determine whether the plurality of keys
is arranged in the telephone configuration and if so, drive the
display to correspond to the telephone functionality; and determine
whether the plurality of keys is arranged in the gaming
configuration and if so drive the display to correspond to the
gaming functionality.
13. The user interface of claim 12 wherein reconfiguring the
plurality of keys to the gaming configuration activates the gaming
functionality.
14. The user interface of claim 13 wherein activating the gaming
functionality includes displaying one of a gaming menu and a game
in process that has been paused.
15. The user interface of claim 13 wherein the plurality of keys
include navigation keys that are physically reoriented and numeric
keys that are not physically reoriented, the navigation keys used
for navigation purposes when playing a game and the numeric keys
used for other actions when playing the game.
16. The user interface of claim 15 wherein the functionality of one
or more of the navigation keys is remapped when the one or more of
the navigation keys is physically reoriented.
17. The user interface of claim 12 wherein reconfiguring the
plurality of keys to the telephone configuration pauses any game
that is in process and activates the telephone functionality
including displaying a corresponding presentation.
18. The user interface of claim 12 wherein the plurality of keys is
arranged and configurable so an incoming call identity can be
viewed.
19. The user interface of claim 12 wherein the controller is
operable to display a gaming menu when the plurality of keys is
configured in the telephone configuration and a prompt to
reconfigure the plurality of keys to the gaming configuration when
a game is selected that is more efficiently played in the gaming
configuration.
20. The user interface of claim 12 wherein the plurality of keys
are configurable to provide a quasi continuous signal corresponding
to an angle of rotation about an axis for the plurality of keys and
the controller is operable to determine the angle of rotation.
21. The user interface of claim 12, wherein: the cellular handset
is a flip style handset that is one of open and closed; the
plurality of keys including one or more keys that are visible and
operable when the cellular handset is closed and only when the
plurality of keys is configured in the gaming configuration; and
the display being selectively visible when the cellular handset is
closed, wherein the display presents the graphical interface
corresponding to the gaming functionality when the handset is
closed and the plurality of keys is configured in the gaming
configuration.
22. The user interface of claim 21 wherein the display is visible
when the display is rotated about a vertical axis and the cellular
handset is closed.
23. The user interface of claim 21 wherein the display includes a
first display and a second display, the first display presenting
the graphical interface when the cellular handset is open and the
second display presenting the graphical interface when the cellular
handset is closed.
24. A method of adapting a user interface to facilitate diverse
functionality, the method comprising: providing a display operable
to present a graphical interface corresponding to one of a first
function and a second function; providing a plurality of keys
configurable in one of a first configuration and a second
configuration; determining whether the plurality of keys is
arranged in the first configuration or the second configuration to
provide a configuration result; and presenting, dependent on the
configuration result, the graphical interface corresponding,
respectively, to the first function or the second function.
25. The method of claim 24 further including reconfiguring the
plurality of keys from the first configuration to the second
configuration and responsive thereto activating the second
function.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the reconfiguring the plurality
of keys from the second configuration to the first configuration
pauses the second function.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the reconfiguring the plurality
of keys further includes one of: revealing additional keys that may
be used for one of the first function and the second function; and
re-mapping the functionality of one or more of the plurality of
keys.
28. The method of claim 24 further including selecting, for the
first function and the second function, a different one of: a
telephone function, a gaming function, a personal digital assistant
function, and an Internet browsing function.
29. The method of claim 24, wherein: the determining further
includes determining whether the plurality of keys is arranged in
the first configuration, the second configuration, or a third
configuration to provide the configuration result; and the
presenting further includes presenting, dependent on the
configuration result, the graphical interface corresponding,
respectively, to the first function, the second function, or a
third function corresponding to one of monitoring a telephone
function and facilitating a gaming function.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates in general to user interfaces, and
more specifically to a device having an adaptable user interface
and methods thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] User interfaces or graphical user interfaces and devices,
such as cellular handsets and the like are known. Typically these
subscriber devices, such as the cellular handsets have a user
interface that is arranged to facilitate effective interaction
between a user and a telephone. Normally these interfaces have a
keypad that includes a set of numeric keys as well as additional
keys, such as Send, End, and Menu keys.
[0003] Manufacturers and suppliers of subscriber devices have
started to include additional features, such as various forms of
gaming functionality, with the devices. Often this gaming
functionality includes games that will be familiar to users of home
gaming systems. Most of these gaming systems include a handheld
game control device that facilitates the user interface and
interaction with the gaming system. Unfortunately there is little
or no similarity between the user interface for a typical
subscriber device, such as a cellular handset and a handheld game
control unit and thus users of the cellular handsets with gaming
functionality are typically not satisfied. Clearly a need exists
for a more user friendly and flexible user interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of
a subscriber device with an adaptable user interface;
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary
embodiment of a subscriber device with an adaptable user
interface;
[0007] FIG. 3 through FIG. 5 illustrates additional front elevation
views of a subscriber device of depicting a variety of
configurations of a plurality of keys;
[0008] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depict an exemplary gaming display for the
subscriber device of FIG. 2-FIG. 5;
[0009] FIG. 8 shows a representative table of keys being remapped
according to configuration;
[0010] FIG. 9 through FIG. 11 depicts various front elevation views
of an exemplary flip style of subscriber device with an adaptable
user interface; and
[0011] FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of a method embodiment of
adapting a subscriber device to facilitate diverse
functionality.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] In overview form the present disclosure concerns devices or
subscriber devices that provide services or functionality and
utility to a user of the device and more specifically such devices
that provide multiple diverse functionality such as telephone or
cellular telephone and gaming functionality for users thereof. More
particularly various inventive concepts and principles embodied in
adaptable user interfaces and methods for providing such interfaces
for the convenience and advantage of users are discussed. The
devices that are of particular interest are cellular handsets that
are full featured and may include one or more capabilities in
addition to the telephone functions, such as gaming, messaging,
Internet browsing, personal organizer or personal digital assistant
capabilities or the like. Although not required these more feature
rich subscriber devices often are arranged and constructed to
operate on higher bandwidth systems such as GPRS (General Packet
Radio System) systems, or wideband CDMA (code division multiple
access) systems or systems that are packet data enabled and that
enable connectivity or sessions with IP (Internet Protocol) based
networks, including for example packet data based systems such as
3.sup.rd generation or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone Services)
systems.
[0013] As further discussed below various inventive principles and
combinations thereof are advantageously employed to provide
alternative operating configurations or keypad layouts for a user
interface to a subscriber device depending on user actions,
desires, and preferences, thus alleviating various problems
associated with known user interfaces while facilitating a fuller
range of features, options and applications for the subscriber
device provided these principles or equivalents thereof are
utilized.
[0014] The instant disclosure is provided to further explain in an
enabling fashion the best modes of making and using various
embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The
disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and
appreciation for the inventive principles and advantages thereof,
rather than to limit in any manner the invention. The invention is
defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made
during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of
those claims as issued.
[0015] It is further understood that the use of relational terms,
if any, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like are
used solely to distinguish one from another entity or action
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. Much of the
inventive functionality and many of the inventive principles when
implemented, are best supported with or in software programs or
instructions and integrated circuits (ICs) such as application
specific ICs. It is expected that one of ordinary skill,
notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices
motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and
economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles
disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such
software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal
experimentation. Therefore, in the interest of brevity and
minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts
according to the present invention, further discussion of such
software and ICs, if any, will be limited to the essentials with
respect to the principles and concepts used by the preferred
embodiments.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a preferred
embodiment of a subscriber device 100 with an adaptable user
interface according to the present disclosure will be discussed and
described. The subscriber device 100 includes the antenna 101 that
operates to radiate and absorb radio frequency signals that are
transmitted or sent from or received by a transceiver 103 of the
subscriber device as is known. The transceiver 103 interactively
operates with a controller 105 to provide to or accept or receive
from the controller 105, messages or signals corresponding thereto
as is also known. The controller 105 is coupled to and operates
together with a display 107 and a keyboard 109 to affect a user
interface. The controller drives the display that may include an
inner display 111 and outer display 113, when the subscriber device
is a flip style device such that the inner display may only be
fully visible when suitably arranged or when the device is open.
The particular display may be selected via the O/C (open/closed)
control line 115.
[0017] The keyboard 109 or a plurality of keys or set of keys
provides signals to the controller 105 and further includes,
preferably one or more navigation keys 117, numeric keys 119, and
other or additional keys 121. The plurality of keys or some portion
thereof is arranged and constructed to assume or be arranged in two
or more physical configurations with for example one configuration
facilitating telephone functions and other configurations
facilitating gaming functions, etc. The particular configuration is
communicated to the controller via the position-sensing switch 123
that is shown with four positions and a further intermediate
position 125. Alternatively or in addition for some functions, such
as gaming functions that require a continuous or quasi continuous
position indication (steering wheel) the optical sensor 124 may be
utilized to provide an appropriate input signal to the controller
105. Generally the keys comprising the plurality of keys are known
and activation of a key may change a resistance or capacitance in
order to provide a signal to the controller. It is possible that
some of the keys may be a physical key or a virtual key that is
part of the display. The display is also known and may be a liquid
crystal display or the like. If the keys are part of a virtual
keyboard the display will need to be touch sensitive or the like in
order to convey information to the controller 105.
[0018] The controller 105, preferably, includes a processor 127
that is, preferably, a known micro-processor based element that is
widely available and may include one or more micro processors and
one or more digital signal processors depending on the precise
responsibilities of the controller with respect to signaling duties
that are not here relevant. The processor 127 is coupled to a
memory 129 that may be a combination of known RAM, ROM, EEPROM or
magnetic memory that among other items, such as phone and address
books, and standard or canned messages, will store operating
software or code 131, and various operating variables and
parameters 133 for the processor. This operating software when
executed by the processor will result in the processor performing
the requisite functions of the subscriber device such as
interfacing with the transceiver, display and keyboard and so on
including others that will be further described below. As depicted
the memory includes additional routines that represent
configuration detection 135, Operational functionality 137
including two or more of telephone, gaming, personal digital
assistant, web browsing, and others 139. Of course the gaming
functionality would likely include a plurality of games that may be
selected. Further shown are display drivers 141 that may be used to
drive the display appropriately depending on the configuration of
the plurality of keys and other device status information. The
display drivers show specifically a gaming menu and gaming prompts
that will be discussed further below. The reader will appreciate
that this listing is merely a brief listing of exemplary routines
that will be required or advantageous in effecting a user interface
and that additional routines and optional applications 143 that may
be stored in the memory have not been specifically mentioned.
[0019] Briefly in operation, the subscriber device 100 with the
adaptable user interface includes a plurality of keys 109 that are
arranged and constructed to be configured in either a first
configuration or a second configuration or more configurations and
a controller 105, coupled to the plurality of keys, operable to:
detect via the input from position or position-sensing switch 123
or optical sensor 124 and the configuration detection routine 135,
whether the plurality of keys are in the first configuration and if
so, control the subscriber device to perform a first function
corresponding to the first configuration, via the appropriate one
of the operational routines 137; and detect whether the plurality
of keys are in the second configuration and if so, control the
subscriber device to perform a second function corresponding to the
second configuration. For example, one configuration of the
plurality of keys may facilitate a gaming function and another
configuration of the plurality of keys may facilitate a cellular
phone function.
[0020] This will be better appreciated by referring to one or more
of the exemplary elevation views of FIG. 2 through FIG. 5.
Referring to FIG. 2, a front elevation view of an exemplary
embodiment of a subscriber device 201 with an adaptable user
interface will be discussed and described. The subscriber device
has a display 203, representatively shown displaying a gaming mode
204 and a plurality of keys including numeric keys 205 and
navigation keys 207 that are shown rotated through an angle 209,
approximating 90 degrees, to a horizontal relationship with the
numeric keys where the rotation has revealed additional keys 211.
It should be noted that the different configurations are,
preferably, physical arrangements or rearrangements of the keys.
Particularly a first configuration of the plurality of keys is,
preferably, a first physical arrangement of the plurality of keys
and a second configuration of the plurality of keys is a second
physical arrangement of the plurality of keys. Four different
arrangements or configurations are depicted by FIG. 2 through FIG.
5.
[0021] Those familiar with typical game control units or
controllers will understand and appreciate that having the
navigation keys arranged to the side of the controller and the
numeric keypad as in FIG. 1 is a more typical layout. It is as well
generally believed to be more natural and comfortable for playing
many games. Basically a typical layout of a keypad for a cellular
phone, for example, where most or many of the navigation or keys
other than the numeric keys are laid out in a vertical relationship
to the numeric keys renders the phone nearly useless or at least
quite clumsy for playing many games. The users hands interfere with
each other, often overlapping, when attempting to execute required
gaming maneuvers. A much more comfortable and useful layout results
when the navigation keys for the game are arranged to the side of
the numeric keypad.
[0022] FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, which illustrate additional
front elevation views of a subscriber device depicting a variety of
configurations of the plurality of keys, will now be discussed and
described. For example, FIG. 3 depicts a configuration wherein the
navigation keys 207 are shown rotated at an angle 305 to a vertical
relationship with the numeric keys 205. The display 203 shows in an
exemplary fashion that the subscriber device 201 is in a telephone
mode 303 in this configuration.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 4, the display 203 is representatively
shown displaying a further gaming mode 407. In this configuration,
the plurality of keys including navigation keys 207 are shown
rotated at an angle 409 to a horizontal relationship with the
numeric keys where the rotation has revealed the additional keys
211. Note that this configuration may facilitate use by
right-handed users, as the navigation keys 207 are positioned to
the right of the numeric keys 205. This in contrast to the
configuration shown in FIG. 2 wherein the navigation keys 207 are
positioned to the left of the numeric keys 205, thus perhaps
facilitating use by left-handed users when in a gaming mode.
[0024] FIG. 5 depicts a configuration wherein the navigation keys
207 are shown rotated at an angle 513 to a vertical or reverse
vertical relationship with the numeric keys 205. The display 203
shows that the subscriber device 201 is in a PDA mode 507 in this
configuration. By reflecting on the different configurations you
will note that a subscriber device has been shown where one or more
of the plurality of keys, for example the navigation keys is
rotated and positioned at a first angle relative to others of the
plurality of keys, such as the numeric keys when in a first
configuration, and that the one or more of the plurality of keys is
rotated and positioned at a second angle relative to the others of
the plurality of keys when in a second configuration.
[0025] The preferred construction for the plurality of keys
includes a two-piece keyboard with a stationary numeric keypad that
captures the rotating set of navigation keys between the housing
for the subscriber device and the numeric keypad. Preferably, the
numeric keypad includes a snap action or quarter turn latching
mechanism to fasten the numeric keys and thus rotating keys to the
subscriber device housing. A bearing surface on one or both of the
subscriber device housing and numeric keypad provides a bearing
surface for the rotating keypad to rotate about. A detent system or
latching arrangement is preferably arranged to hold or bias the
navigation keys or rotating portion to or in one of the
predetermined locations depicted in FIG. 2 through FIG. 5. The
detent system relies on a slight interference fit between two parts
as is known, whereas an on/off latching mechanism may be more
suitable if the rotating keys or portion will be used for
continuous or quasi-continuous positioning. The optical position
sensor may be accommodated via an opening in the subscriber device
housing located below the rotating portion and a known pattern on
the rotating portion. The position sensing switch would rely on a
proximity relationship between electrical circuits or a contact
only available at the predetermined positions corresponding to one
of the configurations. Some experimentation is expected in order to
obtain a rotating key portion with the appropriate relative sizes
and physical rigidity that will provide the appropriate feel for
gaming, etc. but such experimentation will be well within the
wherewithal of one of ordinary skill given the concepts and
principles disclosed.
[0026] The various configurations of the plurality of keys includes
a configuration with one or more of the plurality of keys arranged
in a vertical orientation relative to others of the plurality of
keys and another configuration of the plurality of keys where the
one or more of the plurality of keys are arranged in a horizontal
orientation relative to the others of the plurality of keys.
Preferably the one or more of the plurality of keys that are
reoriented include navigation keys 207 and the others of the
plurality of keys include the numeric keys 205. The plurality of
keys may be arranged, constructed and configured in different
configurations in order to facilitate, respectively, use by right
and left handed users. The additional keys that are revealed when
the plurality of keys, specifically navigation keys are in a
rotated configuration may be used for a function corresponding to
the original position of the navigation keys or the function
corresponding to the new position. For example suppose the
subscriber device is in a gaming configuration such as FIG. 2 or
FIG. 3 and an incoming phone call is detected. One of the
additional keys 211 may be used to answer the phone call,
presumably pausing the game in process. Alternatively, the
additional keys can play a roll in the ongoing game.
[0027] As the subscriber device, specifically plurality of keys is
reconfigured from one arrangement to another the position of the
keys is detected by the switched and the configuration detector
routine 135 and different operational functions, such as a
telephone, gaming, personal digital assistant, internet browser,
text messaging, etc. are selected and executed by operational
routines 137 and the display is coupled to and driven by the
controller to provides a display presentation that corresponds to
the particular configuration of the plurality of keys. Furthermore
it is contemplated that another configuration of the plurality of
keys is available that is intermediate between a first and a second
configuration, such as in between the configurations shown in FIG.
2 and FIG. 3 and indicated at 125 in FIG. 1. In this intermediate
configuration pausing the gaming function and enabling a monitoring
operation associated with the cellular phone function may occur.
This may be used, for example, when a game is in process and a
phone call is detected. By moving the navigation keys to the
intermediate location the user would pause the game in process and
be provided a caller ID display of the inbound phone call. The call
could be answered by moving the navigation keys to the position in
FIG. 3 or by using on the additional keys.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, exemplary gaming displays
for the subscriber device of FIG.2-FIG. 5, will be discussed and
described. It should be noted that a different configuration of the
plurality of keys is not always required to play a game.
[0029] For example solitaire and other card like games may be
played quite satisfactorily when the subscriber device is arranged
as in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5. FIG. 6 depicts a display of a gaming menu
603 that allows a user to select a game. Generally the games 605
that are available on the device can be scrolled through, up or
down 609, using the center navigation key. One of the games, after
being highlighted, can be selected 607 using the right hand key of
the 3 keys that move when being reconfigured. If the user wishes to
go "BACK" 607 to an earlier menu, gaming or otherwise, the left
hand key of the rotating keys may be activated. In any event,
preferably, one or more of the listed games are highlighted or
bolded or otherwise rendered visually distinct in order to show
that they require or are best played using a configuration other
than the configuration in which the plurality of keys is currently
positioned.
[0030] When one of the visually distinct games is selected, FIG. 7
depicts an exemplary gaming display of a gaming prompt 703 that may
be displayed for the subscriber device of FIG.2-FIG. 5. The display
shows instructions 705 for the gaming prompt 703. The instructions
705 or prompt inform the user to rotate the navigation keys to the
side of the handset, and therefore reconfigure the subscriber
device 2 to the corresponding configuration, shown in FIG. 2 or
FIG. 3. This exemplary gaming display is shown on the display 703
preferably after the user has highlighted and selected a visually
distinct game from the selection list 605 or gaming menu 603 that
requires a configuration other than the configuration in which the
subscriber device is currently arranged. Keys 707 allow the user to
confirm that the reconfiguration of the subscriber device is
complete or will be undertaken or to cancel the game. Note that
this is merely a representative prompt or message to assist the
user and that others would also be available.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 8 a representative table of keys being
remapped according to a configuration will be discussed and
described. Generally this may be required, for example, when one of
the keys that is being rotated has an orientation related function.
For example as is known, often the center key is a four position
navigation button including up, down, right and left keys. FIG. 8
depicts a table of Navigation Keys Orientation 803 that shows for
each key 805 as a function of the orientation of the rotating
navigation keys 807 the corresponding navigation function 809. For
example the UP key (col. 805), when the navigation keys are up, to
the left, to the right, and down (heading 807) has a navigation
function of, respectively, up, left, right, and down (first row of
table 809 values).
[0032] We have discussed and described a user interface for a
cellular handset or subscriber device, the user interface
facilitates among others, telephone functionality and gaming
functionality for the cellular handset or device. The user
interface includes a display operable to present a graphical
interface corresponding to one of the telephone functionality and
the gaming functionality and a plurality of keys arranged and
constructed to be reconfigured between one of a telephone
configuration and a gaming configuration. Further included is a
controller, coupled to the plurality of keys and the display, that
is operable to: determine whether the plurality of keys is arranged
in the telephone configuration and if so, drive the display to
correspond to the telephone functionality; and determine whether
the plurality of keys is arranged in the gaming configuration and
if so drive the display to correspond to the gaming
functionality.
[0033] Reconfiguring the plurality of keys to the gaming
configuration activates the gaming functionality and activating the
gaming functionality may include displaying a gaming menu or a game
in process that has been paused. The plurality of keys, preferably
include navigation keys that are physically reoriented and numeric
keys that are not physically reoriented, the navigation keys used
for navigation purposes when playing a game and the numeric keys
used for other actions when playing the game. The functionality of
one or more of the navigation keys is, preferably, remapped when
the one or more of the navigation keys is physically reoriented.
Reconfiguring the plurality of keys from a gaming configuration to
the telephone configuration or a configuration intermediate pauses
any game that is in process and activates the telephone
functionality including, for example, displaying a corresponding
presentation, such as a caller ID presentation thereby allowing an
incoming call identity to be viewed. The controller is, preferably,
operable to display a gaming menu when the plurality of keys is
configured in the telephone configuration and a prompt to
reconfigure the plurality of keys to the gaming configuration when
a game is selected that is more efficiently played in the gaming
configuration.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 9 through FIG. 11, various front
elevation views of an exemplary flip style cellular handset or
subscriber device with an adaptable user interface will be
discussed and described. Three different arrangements or
configurations are depicted by FIG. 9 through FIG. 11. As
previously stated above with reference to FIG. 2 through FIG. 5,
those familiar with typical game control units or controllers will
understand and appreciate that having the navigation keys arranged
to the sides of the controller and the numeric keypad as in FIG. 10
is a more typical and useful game control interface layout. It is
as well generally believed to be more natural and comfortable for
playing many games.
[0035] The subscriber device as shown in FIG. 9 is a flip style
handset as is known preferably including one or more displays 903
on a hinged portion 905 of the handset and a plurality of keys on
another portion 907. The plurality of keys may be reconfigured in a
variety of arrangements much as discussed above. The plurality of
keys, preferably, include navigation keys 901 as well as other keys
909 that may be rotated about or with respect to numeric keys 911
from a vertical relationship with the numeric keys to a horizontal
relationship (see FIG. 10). It should be noted that the navigation
keys 901 and other or additional keys 909 are located on two
opposing sections of a rotatable keypad that is shown at a vertical
relationship with the numeric keys. A first of the opposing
sections, which includes navigation keys 901, is positioned above
the numeric keys 911, and a second of the opposing sections, which
may include additional navigation keys, is positioned below numeric
keys 911 in FIG. 9. In this particular configuration, the
subscriber device is said to be in one of the previously described
modes, such as, for example, telephone mode. In the configurations
shown in FIG. 9 through 11, the plurality of keys, specifically
rotating sections and the keys thereon, are configurable to provide
a continuous or quasi continuous signal corresponding to an angle
of rotation about an axis for the plurality of keys and the
controller 105 is operable to receive the signal from the above
described optical sensor or detector and determine the angle of
rotation or at least changes to the angle. This feature may be
advantageously used, for example, to simulate a steering wheel or
airplane control yoke or the like for games that may require or use
such functions.
[0036] In FIG. 10, the navigation keys 901 and other keys 909 are
shown rotated to a horizontal relationship with respect to the
numeric keys where the rotation has revealed additional keys 1003.
The first of the opposing sections is now positioned to the left of
the numeric keys 911 and the second of the opposing sections is now
positioned to the right of the numeric keys 911. Note that this
configuration may facilitate use by left-handed users in a gaming
mode, and may perhaps facilitate use by right-handed users in other
gaming modes, depending on the particular game in operation and the
user's preference.
[0037] In addition, the rotating portions may be rotated to a
horizontal or reverse horizontal relationship wherein the first of
the opposing sections is positioned to the right of the numeric
keys 911 and the second of the opposing sections is positioned to
the left of the numeric keys 911. This particular reverse
horizontal configuration may also facilitate use by left-handed or
right-handed users, depending on the particular game and the
preference of the user. Also, additional keys (not shown) may be
revealed below the numeric keys in either of the horizontal
rotations of the rotating portions, which may provide additional
functionality when the subscriber device is in a gaming mode. In
addition to gaming, this additional configuration could be used for
another of the different operational functions, such as a
telephone, personal digital assistant, Internet browser, text
messaging, etc.
[0038] FIG. 11 shows the subscriber device with a flip style
handset in an additional configuration. The rotating portion with
navigation keys 901 and additional keys 909 is positioned in the
horizontal relationship as discussed above with regards to FIG. 10.
However, the display 1103 is selectively visible when the handset
is closed. This is accomplished by having a display that is
separate from the hinged portion 905 and therefore may be visible
when the handset is open or closed, or by adding an additional or
second display to the outside of the subscriber device that is
visible when the handset is closed. Another potential approach for
presenting a display when the handset is open and closed is to
enable the display and the display housing or the hinged portion to
rotate about a vertical axis when the hinged portion is open. Such
displays are known and typically include a shaft mechanism coupled
to the hinge about which the display can rotate and a rotational
encoder that tracks rotation of the display about the shaft.
[0039] We have discussed and described a user interface for a
subscriber device arranged as a flip style handset that may be open
or closed and operable, when open or closed, to facilitate a user
interface for among others, telephone functionality and gaming
functionality for the cellular handset or device. The keys,
preferably navigation keys positioned on the rotating portion, are
configurable to provide a quasi continuous signal corresponding to
the rotation of the plurality of keys. In addition, the controller
is operable to determine the angle or relative angle of rotation of
the plurality of keys. The display of the flip style handset is
configurable to be selectively visible when the handset is closed,
either by having a display that is separate from the hinged
portion, two separate displays one each on the inside and outside
of a hinged portion or a rotatable display. When the handset is
closed and a display is visible, the display representatively shows
a gaming mode 204, and one or more of the keys are visible and
operable. In sum the display may include a first display and a
second display, the first display presenting the graphical
interface when the cellular handset is open and the second display
presenting the graphical interface when the cellular handset is
closed, where the first and second display may be one display that
can be rotated along a vertical axis of the handset
[0040] Referring to FIG. 12, a flow chart of a method embodiment of
adapting a subscriber device to facilitate diverse functionality
will be discussed and described. Since much of this discussion is
analogous to the previous discussion in the context of a user
interface for a cellular handset or subscriber device the
discussion here will more of a summary of some earlier noted
concepts and principles. The method 1200 of FIG. 12 shows a process
for adapting a subscriber device to facilitate a user interface for
diverse functionality. The method begins at 1203 with providing a
display operable to present a graphical interface corresponding to
one of a plurality of functions, such as a first function and a
second function. Next, 1205 depicts providing a plurality of keys
configurable in a corresponding plurality of configurations,
including specifically a first configuration and a second
configuration.
[0041] Thereafter, at 1207 determining what configuration the
plurality of keys is arranged in to provide a configuration result
is undertaken. Specifically for example, determining whether the
plurality of keys is arranged in the first configuration or the
second configuration to provide a configuration result is
undertaken. Then the process at 1209 shows presenting, dependent on
the configuration result, a graphical interface corresponding to
the configuration of the plurality of keys or specifically
presenting, dependent on the configuration result, the graphical
interface corresponding, respectively, to the first function or the
second function. Next, 1211 depicts reconfiguring the plurality of
keys from one to another configuration or from the first
configuration to the second configuration, revealing or concealing
keys and remapping keys as appropriate. Of course and not shown for
the sake of simplicity, a determination of what configuration the
keys have been configured in would be undertaken is so doing. In
any event, 1213 shows pausing a function corresponding to the first
configuration and activating a function corresponding to the second
configuration of the plurality of keys after which the method loops
to the process at 1211.
[0042] As above the functions are one or more of a telephone
function, a gaming function, a personal digital assistant function,
and an Internet browsing function. The method may be extended by,
for example, determining whether the plurality of keys is arranged
in the first configuration, the second configuration, or a third
configuration to provide the configuration result; and then
presenting, dependent on the configuration result, the graphical
interface corresponding, respectively, to the first function, the
second function, or a third function corresponding to one of
monitoring a telephone function and facilitating a gaming
function.
[0043] The processes and user interfaces discussed above and the
inventive principles thereof are intended to and will alleviate
problems caused by prior art user interfaces. Using these
principles of providing an adaptable user interface that may be
configured according to desired functionality may facilitate user
interface efficiency and friendliness and thus satisfaction. It is
expected that one of ordinary skill given the above described
principles, concepts and examples will be able to implement other
alternative interface procedures and configurations that are
subscriber device status dependent and that will also offer
additional quick and efficient interface procedures. It is
anticipated that the claims below cover such other examples.
[0044] This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and
use various embodiments in accordance with the invention rather
than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit
thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above
teachings. The embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide
the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its
practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the
art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may
be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and
all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the
breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
* * * * *